Menstrual napkin support waist belt

ABSTRACT

This invention teaches a simple one piece sanitary napkin support waist belt formed of elastomeric plastic film and useful for supporting a menstrual napkin in a functional position on a female torso. The single support belt can fit a majority of female torso sizes with no mechanical belt size adjustments. The belt is sufficiently low cost to be discarded after using during menstrual period.

United States Patent Jones, Sr. 7

[4 1 Sept. 5, 1972 [54] MENSTRUAL NAPKIN SUPPORT WAIST BELT [72] Inventor: John Leslie Jones, Sr., 1070 Glen Oaks Blvd., Pasadena, Calif. 91 105 [22] Filed: April 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 131,882

{52] US. Cl ..l28/29l [51] Int. Cl ..A6lf 13/16 [58] Field of Search 128/289-291 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Stringham ..12s/291 Kenner 1. 128/291 Torres ..128/289 Primary Examiner-Charles F. Rosenbaum Auomey-J. L. Jones [57] I ABSTRACT This invention teaches a simple one piece sanitary napkin support waist belt formed of elastorneric plastic film and useful for supporting a menstrual napkin in a functional position on a female torso. The single support belt can fit a majority of female torso sizes with no mechanical belt size adjustments. The belt is sufficiently low cost to be discarded after using during menstrual period.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures MENSTRUAL NAPKIN SUPPORT WAIST BELT CROSS-REFERENCES This application relates to my copending application,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Sanitary belts made of rubberized elastic webbing have been conventionally used for decades, to support menstrual napkins in the functional position on the female torso. The commercial sanitary belts are constructed with separate mechanically adjustable waist fasteners, so the belt perimeters are adjustable over a large range of torso sizes.

Before using the present generally available commercial belt, each female must mechanically adjust the belt to her torso size. The belts are not minimal in cost; hence, they are customarily bought separately from the napkins and reused by femalesfor a number of menstrual periods. For this cost reason, the female customarily keeps the belt in storage at home between menstrual periods, using it during her menstrual period.

Although menstrual napkins are widely sold at many types of retail stores and other outlets for quick demand, the lack of quick access to a sanitary napkin support belt at the required time can be very discomforting to the female. This invention teaches a very inexpensive, simple, one piece sanitary waist belt which can be placed in each commercial retail package of sanitary napkins and sold as a part of the retail package. The belt can be discarded on using the last of the napkin supply in the package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention teaches an endless, circular, ribbed waist belt, having a pair of napkin strap support apertures, each one of said apertures disposed in one of a pair of diametrically opposed ribs. Thus, a one piece, simple sanitary napkin support waist belt is provided.

The thin elastomeric film support waist belt is reinforced with ribs disposed normal to the waist belt perimeter. The highly elastic, one piece, sanitary napkin support waist belt can be formed of a highly plasticized polyvinyl chloride composition. The waist belt can be stretched to fit a wide range of female hip and waist contour sizes, utilizing only one manufactured nominal perimeter.

Included in the objects of this invention are:

To provide an inexpensive and compact one piece, simple menstrual napkin support waist belt having no mechanically separate adjustment or securing com ponents.

To provide a simple one piece menstrual napkin support waist belt, which will fit a wide range of female torso sizes without separate mechanical linkages or fasteners, and simply secure the straps of a menstrual napkin.

To provide a low cost sanitary belt which can be enclosed in a commercial retail package of menstrual napkins, to be used with the napkins in the package and then discarded.

To provide a one-piece, low cost, easily manufactured sanitary napkin support waist belt made of elastomeric plastic film having a very low modulus of elasticity in tension and a short elongation recovery time.

Other objects and advantages of this invention are taught in the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improvement in a menstrual sanitary napkin support waist belt.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a menstrual napkin strap slit securing means disposed in the sanitary napkin support waist belt.

FIG. 3 is another enlarged perspective view of a second menstrual napkin strap securing means, disposed in a napkin support waist belt.

FIG. 4 is an elevational front view of a female torso illustrating the application of the one piece, simple sanitary napkin support belt of this invention, in functional position, supporting a menstrual napkin taught by the copending patent application of this date titled Integral Strap Tissue Napkin.

FIG. 5 is an elevational rear view of the female torso of FIG. 4, further illustrating the application of the napkin support waist belt of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1 in detail, the menstrual sanitary napkin support waist belt .1 is shown in perspective elevational view. Thethin film, elastomeric plastic, endless, ribbed waist belt 1 is fabricated of a plastic composition having a short stress relaxation time.

The waist belt 1 is an endless narrow, thin elastomeric plastic composition, having the four integral, thicker reinforcing ribs 2, 3, 4 and 5. The four thicker ribs 2, 3, 4 and Sam separately secured to the plastic integral thin film intervals 6, 7, 8 and 9, all together forming the belt perimeter. The ribs 2, 3, 4 and 5 are relatively short in their .lengths l0, 11, 12 and 13. respectively. The two napkin strap support apertures 14 and 15 are shown, formed as substantially horizontal apertures in the diametrically opposed ribs 2 and 3 respectively, completely piercing the ribs.

All the multiple reinforcing ribs 2, 3, 4 and 5 are disposed at spaced film intervals 6, 7, 8 and 9 respectively on thewaist belt 1 perimeter, each rib 2, 3, 4 and 5 providing a stiffening means for the multiple elastomeric thin film waist belt perimeter intervals 6, 7, 8 and 9. The multiple reinforcing ribs 2, 3, 4 and 5 extend the full width 16 of the waist belt 1. The ribs 2, 3, 4 and 5 stiffen the waist belt 1, preventing the belt width 16 from rolling or wrinkling into a tubelike or ropelike elastomeric band, on placing the belt 1 on the female torso.

In general, the greater number of multiple ribs formed in the waist belt 1, the shorter belt perimeter length they are required to be. Thus, for example, 4 ribs of 1% inch belt perimeter length, 6 ribs of 1 inch belt perimeter length, 12 ribs of /5 inch perimeter length are typical. The rib lengths l0 and 12 which serve as a base component for the two aperture securing means 14 and 15 can be typically 1% inches. The remaining ribs can be spaced in quantity and at belt intervals as required, to prevent rolling of the belt width 16 on wearing.

FIG. 2 illustrates in greater detail the waist belt rib 2, having a length in which the aperture securing means 14 is disposed, parallel to the perimeter of belt 1. The slit aperture 17 of the aperture securing means 14 is connected to and terminated at both ends by the two stress relieving arc apertures 18 and 19. The aperture means 14 penetrates through the rib 2. Typically, the slit aperture 17 is one inch in length. The aperture securing means can be disposed at an angle other than parallel to the waist belt perimeter, as is shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates another belt 30 in enlarged detail, teaching another aperture securing means 31. The oval slot securing means 31 is formed in the waist belt rib 32, penetrating completely through the rib 32, forming an opening in which the napkin strap can be inserted.

Other geometrically shaped aperture napkin strap securing means such as circular openings, square or rectangular openings, or the like, are fully equivalent for forming the aperture securing means, as are 14 and 31.

Essentially, the pair of aperture napkin strap securing means, each one of said aperture securing means disposed in one of a pair of diametrically opposed stiffing ribs, are the heart of this invention. No hanging or dependent straps are required. No separate mechanically secured hooks or other fasteners are required.

The waist belt 1, and the like, can be simply manufactured according to the teaching of my copending allowed U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 814,008.

The belt 1 can also be formed by sealing ribs 2, 3, 4, 5 and the like, to a thin film base, as by dielectric sealing. By this process, a more rigid plasticized polyvinyl chloride, thick film, composition (typically 0.0l5-0.030 inch thick), forming a rib 2, or the like, can be sealed to a highly elastomeric, soft, thin film base (typically 0.004-0.0l0 inch thick), forming thin film intervals 6, 7, 8, 9, or the like.

The wide range of female body torso size which require a sanitary napkin support belt are typified by the dress size range of misses size 7 regular to womens size 42 regular, as listed by the Department of Commerce Standard in Report CS2l5-58 on female body measurements. Table I below lists the corresponding bust, waist and hip dimensions, as well as other data, for the standardized dress sizes 7 regular through 42 regular.

It is very desirable for a single size sanitary napkin I support belt 1, or the like, of this invention to be able to function properly over a reasonably large range of body sizes. Typically, a single sanitary support belt 1 can function over the range of body sizes corresponding to dress size 7 regular, through size 20 tall, to size 36 regular. A sanitary belt 1 can satisfy the waist belt size requirement with a fabricated waist belt perimeter of 26 inches, which can expand to 46 inches to slip over the hip of a size tall or a size 42 regular dress wearer. Typically, the napkin support waist belt 1 can range in width 16 from k to l rfi inches, dependent upon the tensile strength of the raw material plastic.

Referring to FIG. 4, a menstrual sanitary napkin 40, taught in my copending napkin patent application of this date, is shown secured in a functional frontal position on a female torso 41 by the menstrual napkin support waist belt 1. The waist belt 1 is shown fitted on the torso 41 in a region between the waist and the hips. The integral front support strap 42 extends from the napkin planar absorption section 43 into the front of the waist belt 1 through the aperture napkin strap securing means 14. Only the front portion of napkin 40 is shown, illustrating one aperture securing means 14 through which the front support strap 42 is threaded. The integral from support strap42 supports napkin section 43 in close proximity to the menstrual flow from the vagina. The front strap 42 is passed through the aperture securing means 14, pulled into a comfortably tight position, and then wrapped around the waist belt 1. Thus, it becomes very difficult to accidentally lose a sanitary napkin while in use.

Referring to FIG. 5, the same female torso 41 is shown in rear view, with the napkin support waist belt 1 disposed in the region between the waist and hips. The integral napkin rear support strap 44 extends from the napkin absorption section 43 (not shown), extends into the aperture securing means 15, and is folded over 1.

The menstrual napkin belt 1, or the like, has the marked advantage of no mechanical metal or plastic fasteners which must be adjusted to fit the belt to a female torso. These belts are particularly simple and easy to use, easily applied by the majority of women who have little interest in adjusting or using mechanical devices.

0n the basis of the placement technique, the waist belt 1, or the like, must be stretched from the manufactured perimeter to larger than a hip or bust perimeter, as the belt is placed in position on the torso between the waist and hips. Then the belt 1 must quickly shrink back to a perimeter which snugly conforms to the chosen perimeter on the torso where the belt 1 is placed.

The specific properties of suitable polyvinyl chloride plasticized compositions (containing ester plasticizer) is listed below in Table II.

TABLE II Tensile Strength (D882) Transverse Direction l800 to 2400 psi Ultimate Elongation (D882) 180 to 300% Transverse Direction Brittle Temperature (D746) l2C (typically) 50% non-failure Durometer Hardness (D676) 65 to Shore Type A, 15 sec reading The numbers are ASTM test procedures described compositions have a short stress relaxation time at body temperature (98.6" F). Thus, the stretched plastic waist belt rapidly assumes a low tensile force after placement on a users torso.

Other elastomeric compositions can be usefully fabricated into the waist belt of this invention. Polyurethane rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, ethyleneethyl acrylate copolymers, polyisobutylene rubbers, and the like, having the properties range listed in Table II, can be fabricated into the waist belt of this invention.

Other waist belt geometrical variations in dimensions can be made without departing from the scope of this invention. Many modifications and variations of my improvements in a one piece sanitary napkin support waist belt can be made in light of my teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

I claim:

1. A one piece sanitary napkin support belt comprismg:

a. an elastomeric plastic, endless, waist belt whose perimeter is adapted to female torso dimensions,

said plastic having a low modulus of elasticity and a short stress elongation recovery time at 90 to 100 F, and said waist belt having a multiplicity of stiffening ribs disposed in said waist belt normal to said belt perimeter, each said rib disposed between a pair of thin film belt perimeter intervals, and at least one pair of said ribs being a diametrically opposed pair of ribs; and

b. a pair of aperture napkin strap securing means,

each one of said aperture securing means disposed in one of aforesaid diametrically opposed pair of ribs.

2. The sanitary napkin support belt of claim 1, wherein the number of stiffening ribs is four.

3. The sanitary napkin support belt of claim 1 in which said belt comprises a plasticized polyvinyl chloride elastomeric composition having a. a tensile strength of substantially 1,800 to 2,400

psi

b. an ultimate elongation of substantially to 300 percent c. a durometer hardness, Shore type A, of substantially 65 to 75.

4. The sanitary napkin support belt of claim 1 in which said belt comprises an elastomeric composition having a. a tensile strength range of substantially 1,800 to 2,400 psi b. an ultimate elongation range of substantially 180 to 300 percent.

c. a durometer hardness, Shore type A range of substantially 65 to 75. 

1. A one piece sanitary napkin support belt comprising: a. an elastomeric plastic, endless, waist belt whose perimeter is adapted to female torso dimensions, said plastic having a low modulus of elasticity and a short stress elongation recovery time at 90* to 100* F, and said waist belt having a multiplicity of stiffening ribs disposed in said waist belt normal to said belt perimeter, each said rib disposed between a pair of thin film belt perimeter intervals, and at least one pair of said ribs being a diametrically opposed pair of ribs; and b. a pair of aperture napkin strap securing means, each one of said aperture securing means disposed in one of aforesaid diametrically opposed pair of ribs.
 2. The sanitary napkin support belt of claim 1, wherein the number of stiffening ribs is four.
 3. The sanitary napkin support belt of claim 1 in which said belt comprises a plasticized polyvinyl chloride elastomeric composition having a. a tensile strength of substantially 1,800 to 2,400 psi b. an ultimate elongation of substantially 180 to 300 percent c. a durometer hardness, Shore type A, of substantially 65 to
 75. 4. The sanitary napkin support belt of claim 1 in which said belt comprises an elastomeric composition having a. a tensile strength range of substantially 1,800 to 2,400 psi b. an ultimate elongation range of substantially 180 to 300 percent. c. a durometer hardness, Shore type A range of substantially 65 to
 75. 